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In this article
ADDRESS returns a cell reference as text from row and column numbers — often combined with MATCH to report “where” something is.
Syntax
=ADDRESS(row_num, column_num, [abs_num], [a1], [sheet_text])| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
abs_num |
1 absolute ($A$1), 4 relative (A1). |
Examples
Example 1
=ADDRESS(MATCH(MAX(E:E),E:E,0), 5, 4)The cell holding the maximum, e.g. E142.
ADDRESS in practice
Where you will use it
- Build a cell reference text from row/column numbers
- Show where a MATCH found something
- Dynamic ranges with INDIRECT
Worked example
| Row | Column | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | =ADDRESS(A2,B2,4) | C5 |
| 1 | 28 | =ADDRESS(A3,B3,4) | AB1 |
| 100 | 1 | =ADDRESS(A4,B4,4) | A100 |
Results calculated in Excel.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Absolute $ signs | abs_num 4 gives A1 without $ |
| Using it as a reference | It returns text; wrap with INDIRECT (volatile) or use INDEX instead |
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